French authorities have issued formal warnings over the risk of unrest and public disorder during the quarterfinal and semifinal matches of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez instructed regional prefects to fully mobilize security forces to prevent disturbances, following incidents that accompanied spontaneous celebrations during earlier rounds of the tournament, particularly after Algeria’s round-of-16 victory on Jan. 6, French broadcaster RMC reported Friday.
In a directive sent to prefects, Nunez emphasized the need to crack down on the use of fireworks and pyrotechnics and ordered strict enforcement of the law. The measures include the possible withdrawal of residency permits from foreign nationals found to be involved in actions that threaten public order.
Paris police announced a ban on fan gatherings along the Champs-Élysées throughout the quarterfinal matches, starting Friday afternoon, citing concerns over potential clashes and vandalism.
The heightened security posture follows a report by the prefect of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region to judicial authorities after authorities identified inflammatory speech involving hate, violence and antisemitic remarks during celebrations in Lyon following Algeria’s victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo.
On Friday evening, Mali is set to face Senegal, while Morocco plays Cameroon in the quarterfinals. On Saturday, Algeria will meet Nigeria, and Egypt will take on Ivory Coast.
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